Page 3 - Elevate - Feasibility Studies and Campaigns

Capital Campaign: pRoCess, steps, and Components

A major capital campaign is a time– and labor–intensive project. Our typical
campaign consists of two primary periods: the lead gift—or “quiet phase”—and the
“public phase.”

lead giFt phase
» Typically lasts 12-14 months
» Major donors selected based on board comments and feedback received
during feasibility study
» Target key donors
» Board and steering committee members make pledges at the highest level
they are able, creating momentum and showing that project leadership is
100 percent committed to the project
» Lead gift meetings often help identify other donor prospects, as well as
alumni who may be willing to serve as team leaders, who will encourage
other alumni to consider supporting the campaign
» Identify and train volunteers to serve as team leaders and class agents

volunteeR steeRing Committee
» A steering committee should be established to assist in the capital
campaign and relieve some of the house corporation's burden.
» Primary role is to address questions that arise and encourage other
alumni to get more involved in the campaign

soliCitation paCkage
When meeting with donors, your lead gift officers need to have printed documentation
detailing the campaign goals and objectives. A professional solicitation package includes:
» Case statement/reason for the campaign
» Proposed campaign goal
» Associated theme for the campaign
» Giving pyramid and other supporting documentation
» Pledge forms
» Renderings and/or architectural drawings

publiC phase
The public phase is when the campaign is “officially” kicked off. This typically occurs at alumni events, such as Homecoming and reunions,
where the campaign in unveiled and includes the amount pledged to-date.

Campaign bRoChuRe
» Mailed to alumni with a pledge form and cover letter
shortly after the public announcement
» Creates the case for the campaign and identifies how
alumni can support the campaign through naming
opportunities or other avenues
» Generates new pledges and—coupled with team leaders
and class agents—can significantly impact the overall
success of your program

team leadeRs and Class agents
» Serve as peer–to–peer solicitors once the campaign
is announced. The peer–to–peer ask is critical to a
successful campaign.
» Elevate conducts training to help them prepare their
message and identify up to 10 members they are willing
to contact and work with on peer-to-peer solicitations.
» Team leaders manage class agents, and class agents are
responsible for soliciting their peers, former roommates,
and other members to consider making a gift in support of
the campaign.